cdfiCORP is forging a groundbreaking path as a Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to universal financial inclusion and working tirelessly to end foreclosures. Through a dynamic partnership uniting government, business, philanthropy, and individuals, we are committed to fostering economic revitalization in at-risk communities. Our mission encompasses developing innovative loan solutions and extending credit opportunities to those underserved by conventional banking. Established by Congress in 1994, CDFIs exemplify effective problem-solving, designed to benefit all, and are a cornerstone of our work.
Ready to Uplift Communities Across America
cdfiCORP is seeking certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) For Everyone
Our Story
Since our inception in 2016, we’ve equipped inner-city youth with essential financial skills and practical business literacy, using interactive seminars and face-to-face experiences to deliver our mission. With the support of like-minded institutions, foundations and corporations, we continue to deliver our message throughout Philadelphia’s communities in need. Today, however, our once prosperous, historically significant city is increasingly plagued by unprecedented poverty, crime and uncertainty.
Recognizing the resulting, disastrous impact of foreclosure and housing instability, our mission has evolved to better serve and protect those most in need. As an emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we serve our marginalized communities by eliminating racially disproportionate harm caused by residential home foreclosure. Our approach combines financial education with advantageous lending terms and conditions, enabling homeowners to remain so. With the support of experienced banking professionals, we’re leveling the financial playing field, ensuring equitable access to resources, and replacing the fear of foreclosure with the promise of sustainable homeownership.
Meet The Team
Chris Banks
President
Chris Banks is the co-founder and President of cdfiCORP. As a born, raised and educated native of Philadelphia, as well as a lifelong advocate of consumer protection and financial education, Banks is the perfect resource to lead our financial operations.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Banks founded The BanksGiving Company, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that helps young adults better understand personal and business economics. Annually, BanksGiving initiates a program wherein every participant receives a savings account with an initial deposit to provide students with a valuable head start in the realms of savings and investments. This serves as a foundation for financial empowerment for young individuals hailing from historically underserved and marginalized communities. As President, he will oversee the overall direction and administration of programs, products, and services provided by the bank.
Mr. Banks attended Northeast High School and Temple University, where he also completed his education to become a Certified Financial Planning (CFP) professional. Before creating and managing the vision of financial education for minorities in Philadelphia, Mr. Banks was a finance and policy analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “I’ve always been passionate about uplifting my community and leveling the racial wealth gap by giving everyone choices and resources to meet their goals. I believe that chances make champions – and as hard as things can be growing up in the inner city, if we can provide more education and access to finances, we will see more communities of color advancing.”
Joe Watkins
Chief Executive Officer
Joseph “Joe” Watkins is the Chief Executive Officer of cdfiCORP. He hosts State of Independence on Lighthouse TV, and has served as a political commentator for MSNBC, CNBC, and Bloomberg.
He is a former White House aide to United States President George H. W. Bush. He was named as president and CEO of Community Council Health Systems in Philadelphia in 2021 and was previously court appointed Receiver (chief executive) for the Chester Upland School District. Watkins served as a top aide to United States Senator Dan Quayle in the early 1980s before joining University of Pennsylvania President Sheldon Hackney’s staff as an assistant to the president. He joined President Bush’s staff at the White House in January 1989. After leaving the White House, Watkins became an equity partner and managing director in an asset management firm with $3.2B AUM. Beginning in 2004 he served as a political analyst for CNN’s Paula Zahn Now and American Morning as well as a co-host for CNN’s Crossfire before moving to MSNBC as a regular political analyst and contributor. He has served as a co-host of Squawk Box on CNBC and has appeared on CNBC’ and Bloomberg.. He has also analyzed major political news for Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera Arabic.
Watkins is a graduate of the Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania and the Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served as pastor of a church in Philadelphia, serves on several boards and has received numerous honors and awards. He and his wife Stephanie are the parents of three married children and have six grandchildren. He is the author of “The New PC: Practical Consideration” which is available on Amazon.
Stephanie Watkins
Board Member
Stephanie will use her considerable government leadership experience to deliver public policy and social initiatives for cdfiCORP.
Responsible for the delivery and management of the Agency’s financial and business development programs throughout federal region III which includes: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Stephanie was Regional Director of the SBA Federal Region III during both the Bush and Obama Administrations.
In this intense, highly competitive and tremendously challenging role, Stephanie delivered superstar leadership and was the source of significant policy enhancements during her four years as Director. She served as Director of Minority Affairs for Drexel Medicine during the decade prior. As a University of Pennsylvania graduate, she knows the faces and places of our city like no one else, and she’s ready to made sure cdfiCORP reaches its potential – ALL of its potential !
Caesar Williams
Chairman Emeritus
(In Memoriam)
Caesar D. Williams, CLU, ChFC, was Chairman Emeritus of the board of cdfiCORP, a role he held with great dedication and passion until his passing earlier this year.
Born and raised in the Germantown section, Caesar remained a steadfast advocate for all things Philly throughout his life.He once remarked, ‘Although we are facing many challenges right now, Philadelphia’s potential is exceptional. Targeted access to capital for our underserved communities is one of the ways we will make a difference in the future of our town.’
Caesar also held the position of President at Supplemental Benefits Group, an MBE certified, employee benefits consulting firm, where he amassed over 40 years of insurance experience. His career spanned various roles in marketing, product development, and sales management for regional brokerage agencies and national companies such as CIGNA, New England Life, and Aflac. His lifelong commitment to insurance education began during his freshman year, culminating in a Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance from Howard University. Subsequently, he achieved the esteemed Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations from the American College. Caesar’s dedication to knowledge also led him to earn a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in insurance and entrepreneurial management from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Caesar remained deeply engaged in his community. He served as a Trustee of the William Penn Charter School, his alma mater, and as a board member of the Visiting Nurses Association of Philadelphia. An ambassador of the Union League of Philadelphia, Caesar was an avid golfer and surfer who generously volunteered his time coaching Special Olympics swimming and inspiring young people with insights into careers within the insurance industry.